Walking the Coromandel Walkway between Fletcher Bay and Stony Bay is one of my favourite ways to spend a summer day. It's 20 kilometres return, with views of the Pinnacles, Aotea and Repanga, and an old bridle path that early pioneers forged to link the two bays. Allow about seven hours, take your time, and start from Fletcher Bay if you're not up for the whole thing.

There's no booking system and no queue. You just turn up, pick a good weather window, and start walking. Pohutukawa are often in flower in early summer, so it's a lovely time to go. Bring water, decent shoes and a warm layer for the sea breeze, and head out early before the crowds arrive.